DEAR READER: There are a number of causes for dizziness, including vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, inflammation of the inner ear, migraine headaches and as a result of using specific medications. Dizziness can also result from specific medications, low-blood-pressure readings (hypotension), Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders, nerve damage to the legs, inner-ear abnormalities and anxiety.

Your first step is to work with your physician to determine the cause of your hypertension. If there is an underlying condition such as an inappropriate diet, excessive salt consumption, obesity or lack of exercise, take steps to bring the matter under control.

Both medications you have been prescribed treat hypertension. Diovan carries such side effects as headache, diarrhea, back/joint/stomach pain and dizziness. Tekturna does not carry a side effect of dizziness.

You didn’t indicate what your blood-pressure readings were prior to being placed on medication. While I don’t know the specific numbers your physician is hoping to achieve, you might consider asking if you can reduce the dosage of your Tekturna. While it doesn’t come in doses smaller than 150 milligrams, perhaps you can take half-doses, if appropriate.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hypertension.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

The second article was from a mother about her son’s cluster headaches. I have been using essential oils for years now. Peppermint oil on the temples has been effective for migraines and cluster headaches, and also helps to relieve nasal congestion. Anyone who uses this remedy must be careful when using full-strength oils. Many people choose to dilute the oil in half with pure vegetable oil. Petroleum-based oils shouldn’t be used to dilute the essential oils because they can inhibit the effectiveness.

DEAR READER: Thank you for writing to share your experience and to offer help to my readers. Chiropractic manipulation can be beneficial for many conditions that misalign the spine, leading to pain, tingling, numbness and other unwanted symptoms.

Essential oils are primarily used for aromatherapy. They can also be beneficial in alleviating certain symptoms while providing a calming sense of being to relieve stress and help the muscles to relax.

He now carries these with him where ever he goes and takes one as soon as he starts to feel dizzy. I told him he should write to you about it and he asked me to do it for him.

I also recently bought Castiva for another friend in his late 80’s who has gout in his big toe. It has worked well for him.

I would like to thank you for all the good advice you provide in your column. It has helped many people I know.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for writing to share your friends’ experience. I am passing it on to my readers in the hopes it can help them as well.

As to your friend with the gout, I am glad to hear that the Castiva is working for him. I would also recommend he try eating cherries or drinking cherry juice. Even cherry extract pills seem to work to reduce the duration and pain of an acute gout attack. For many it even prevents or reduces the frequency of attacks. Simply eat 10-15 cherries daily during an attack or five to ten daily to prevent one. In this way, your friend can not only help his gout, but add a delicious serving of fruit to his diet.

My current problem is vertigo/dizziness. This started April 2007 and I can’t seem to find any relief. My doctors have ruled out my heart as the cause. I have seen my family physician, a neurologist, an ear-nose-and-throat specialist and two emergency room physicians. No one can tell me what to do to get relief, only that I have vertigo.

How do I get someone to help me rather than just telling me what I have?

DEAR READER:
Vertigo is an inability to keep normal balance while standing or sitting caused by an irritation in the inner ear. It can be accompanied by nausea and weakness. Symptoms often lessen or disappear shortly after lying down or remaining motionless for several minutes.

Doctors often recommend and have success with the Brandt-Daroff exercises and the Epley maneuver. The Brandt-Daroff exercises are done at home while sitting on a bed or couch, quickly leaning to one side for 30 seconds and then sitting up. Duplicate the exercise on the other. Repeat about 20 times. It is best to have someone with you if you are worried about the possibility of falling.

The Epley maneuver is performed by a physician and is primarily used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. While sitting down, he or she will turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected side, lean you back and finally sit you up. This is repeated on the opposite side. The last move will be to lean you forward about 30 degrees.

Another option is an over-the-counter dietary supplement called Lipo-Flavonoid. It is a combination of vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids that was developed to treat the symptoms of Meniere’s disease (vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss). Judging from my readers, when it works, it is amazing; however, not everyone experiences relief.

I recommend that you seek a second opinion from an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. He or she should be able to offer more treatment options and in-depth information.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.